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Saturday, May 26, 2012

Have you ever been to Annapolis, Maryland?

If not then you really need to put that on your bucket list!

It's a wonderful vacation destination. You're close to Washington D.C., Baltimore, and a few hours from the beaches in Delaware. Only about 4 or 5 hours from New York City, a little less than that to Philadelphia.

I live about 30 miles from there and go about 3 or 4 times a year.

I know I write a lot about rural areas, cowboy boots and horses, but I also love all things nautical which is exactly why Annapolis is one of my all-time favorite towns.

Old Town Annapolis is extremely charming and sits right on the bay.

When I need something other than cowboy boots, rubber boots, or boots of any kind for that matter, I head to Annapolis to shop.

There is a great Lilly Pulitzer store (The Pink Crab) there. Another favorite is Kokopelli and I'll be doing a book signing there Saturday, June 16th from 1-4.

But for sailing, of course boots just won't cut it. That's when I count on my favorite salesman at Sperry Topsider.

Drew, above, thinks I should go for the leopard print, however I think I might look just a tad bit ridiculous wearing those on the boat..

Although, I love the traditional Sperry's, these caught my eye.

Even though they're cute, they're still functional. I won't slip-slide all over the boat. Now,I don't want to give you the wrong idea about me and sailing. I usually dangle my legs over the bow and watch for sea life while hubby and his friend do all the work.

I have, however, agreed to take sailing lessons this summer.

Pray for me - and for anyone else on the boat because I'm the most uncoordinated woman in the world and that has to be extremely dangerous for all involved.

Anyway, back to those cute shoes. My grand-daughter Sophia is a 'shoe-gal' herself and I couldn't wait to show them off to her.

Friday, May 18, 2012

This months Dixie Road Trip had been planned for nine months. You see, in September of last year I received the sweetest letter from a young fan named Sarah Miller.

Miss Kathie, I loved your book False Victim. I've read it over several times. I was wondering if you would come to my music concert at the end of the school year. It's in May. I really hope you can come!

Sarah

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It took me all of two seconds to respond:

Dear Sarah, I would love to come. I've got it marked on my calendar and am looking forward to it.

Kathie

Good heavens to Betsy! Anyone who can read that creepy story more than once, let alone 'several' times is a true-blue fan in my book, so there was no way I was going to miss her big day.

And let me tell you this was not your average, run-of-the-mill middle-school concert, thank you very much. Absolutely not. This was such a talented group of kids (husband ran off with camera this weekend or I'd post more pictures) - they sang Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror", songs from grammy winner Adele, and a medley from my favorite - Bruno Mars!

I was amazed! And so very proud of Sarah....which is why I have named her..."Hillbilly Debutante of the Week".

I thought that took a whole lotta 'chutzpah' to find me and actually write to me and invite me. I felt so honored!

I brought along, as a gift, a signed copy of...

and....

front view

back view

Congratulations, Sarah Miller of Fredericksburg, Virginia...

Hillbilly Debutante of the Week!

Do you have a book club or an event you'd like for me to attend? It never hurts to ask..I try to make as many as I can, if it's too far away, there is a good possibility I can join you by phone/skype.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

It all started last Thursday night when I helped a friend celebrate her birthday on the dinner cruise Nina's Dandy.

(Nina's Dandy on Potomac River in front of Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument)

While said friend and I were chatting, I noticed a lone couple on the dance floor, totally oblivious to the rest of the diners.

Lord forgive me, but when I saw him drop to his knee I could not contain myself. I did what any writer wanna-be reporter worth their weight in gold would have done - grabbed my phone and started snapping pictures.

He looked at me like I was some kind of nut, and I, in my best tabloid-reporter voice said,